AROUND THE BLOCK AROUND THE BLOCK (September 29, 2004)

BARRON PARK SUBDIVISION . . . Earlier this month, the Planning & Transportation Commission rejected a proposal to build a five home subdivision in the Barron Park neighborhood on Matadero Avenue. Last week, the board of directors of the Barron Park Association announced its support for the commission's decision. "We agree with them on their assessment of the shortcomings of the proposal," said Maryanne Welton, vice president of the neighborhood association. Some of the commission's concerns included compatibility of the subdivision with the neighborhood, protection of the trees and creek, and potential traffic and parking problems. The issue is scheduled to return to the commission on Oct. 27 as the reading of a final draft of the denial and is expected to go to the City Council for review in November.

SOUTHGATE WAIT . . . A push to organize a neighborhood association in Southgate is apparently on hold, according to resident Jennifer Hagan. For the past year, neighbors living across from Palo Alto High School have discussed, debated and voted on whether to form a neighborhood association. Advocates wanted to make sure their area had representation before the City Council and with other groups. Opponents feared the neighborhood would become divided over issues, like Downtown North did over its traffic project. Plus, some said, the neighborhood already has an established Neighborhood Watch group, led by resident Jim McFall. A spring vote showed opinions nearly evenly split, and Hagan initially thought it possible to move forward and form a board of directors. Now, she reports, that idea has been put on hold due to advocates' lack of time and energy and opponents' feeling that there is no need for the group. However, residents who had been interested in forming an association are exchanging e-mails among themselves about various issues, Hagan said.
PAIR OF EYES . . . The Midtown Residents Association's annual Ice Cream and Issues Social will be held Sunday, Oct. 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hoover Park at 2901 Cowper St. This year's event will be a smorgasbord of activity: ice cream and refreshments; kids' activities including a "guess the number of jelly beans" contest, games, balloons and face painting; bike safety checks; used books from the Friends of the Library; and a Halloween costume exchange. For the substance of the meeting, council members, candidates for State Assembly and others will be on hand to discuss Measure I (the school parcel tax), the proposed Environmental Services Center, and Palo Alto's libraries. Event sponsors include the Midtown Merchants. For information, visit www.midtownresidents.org.

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